Listmania!
Beatles Bibliophilia.
John Lennon: In My Life (Coronet Books)John Lennon: In My Life (Coronet Books) by Pete Shotton
Buy used from: £18.59
The most entertaining book on Lennon´s non-public life by far, although the darker side of these stories has been toned down somewhat.
The Beatles: An Illustrated RecordThe Beatles: An Illustrated Record by Roy Carr
Buy used from: £18.00
A very funny and incisive book - these two can certainly write, and their balance of respect tempered by harsh but amusing criticism, which they dish out more for the solo stuff, hasn't been bettered.
Last Interview: John Lennon and Yoko OnoLast Interview: John Lennon and Yoko Ono by John Lennon
Buy used from: £1.45
Superior to Lennon Remembers: interesting to see how 10 years with Yoko made the boy mightily articulate, and to compare this with Goldman's portrait.
The "Beatles"The "Beatles" by Hunter Davies
Buy used from: £12.50
Despite its faults, this is interesting for the insights into the Beatles' home/studio lives circa 1967.
Revolution in the Head: The "Beatles" Records and the SixtiesRevolution in the Head: The "Beatles" Records and the Sixties by Ian MacDonald
Buy new: £6.59 / Used from: £3.38
Fascinating and famous uber-Beatles-freak trawl through the back catalogue, although some of the musicology is apparently questionable. Who cares, though?
The Beatles: 10 Years That Shook the WorldThe Beatles: 10 Years That Shook the World by Paul Trynka
Buy used from: £19.97
The Beatles get the sad, insanely detailed trivia related coffee table Mojo treatment. Fantastic, clearly.
Love Me Do!: "Beatles" ProgressLove Me Do!: "Beatles" Progress by Michael Braun
Buy used from: £1.95
An excellent fly on the wall account of early Beatlemania - Lennon approved, too.
The Love You Make: An Insider's Story of the Beatles (Signet)The Love You Make: An Insider's Story of the Beatles (Signet) by Peter Brown
Buy used from: £1.37
Not without some glaring errors, but much less hysterical than Goldman and written by a true insider. Should you want some dirt on the Fabs (and that's a good question) - this is the one to go for.
Lennon: The Definitive Biography Anniversar: The Definitive Biography - Anniversary Edition: 20th Anniversary EditionLennon: The Definitive Biography Anniversar: The Definitive Biography - Anniversary Edition: 20th Anniversary Edition by Ray Coleman
Buy used from: £0.01
Generally good biography, particularly on the late 50's/early 60's, and John's househusband period.
Beatles Recording SessionsBeatles Recording Sessions
If you don't have this...then get it now, and "use" it in conjunction with Winn.
The Beatles ForeverThe Beatles Forever by Nicholas Schaffner
Buy used from: £3.62
Informative and well written - noteable for many illustrations you won't find elsewhere.
The Beatles AnthologyThe Beatles Anthology by Beatles
Buy used from: £30.67
The 2nd stab at an authorised version (after Davies). Well illustrated, but...well, authorised.
That Magic Feeling: The Beatles' Recorded Legacy, Volume Two, 1966-1970: 2That Magic Feeling: The Beatles' Recorded Legacy, Volume Two, 1966-1970: 2 by John C. Winn
Buy new: £13.90 / Used from: £13.08
This is volume 2 of 2. 20 years in the writing, as definitive reference works it is hard to see how these fairly astonishing books might be supplanted. Give in to your inner geek.
The Beatles' London: The Ultimate Guide to Over 400 Beatles Sites in and Around LondonThe Beatles' London: The Ultimate Guide to Over 400 Beatles Sites in and Around London by Piet Schreuders
Buy used from: £10.18
Bittersweet, full of fantastic morsels of arcane fabdom, and a wonderful photo of John and Paul out walking Martha in 1967. John resembles a Martian.
"Beatles" Gear"Beatles" Gear by Andy Babiuk
Buy new: £13.97 / Used from: £13.26
Extreme trainspotter territory again and...ah sod it, this is great! By all that´s right it shouldn´t be, but it is.
Lennon Remembers (A Rolling Stone Press book)Lennon Remembers (A Rolling Stone Press book)
Buy new: £8.00 / Used from: £3.78
You can get a free podcast of this now, and our boy sounds more than a little, ahem, chemically enhanced. Toot toot!
The Unreleased BeatlesThe Unreleased Beatles by Richie Unterberger
Buy new: £13.97 / Used from: £15.83
One of the better Beatles books of recent years. A massive stab at EVERYTHING unreleased they did. A truly ridiculous book!
Waiting for the "Beatles": An Apple Scruff's StoryWaiting for the "Beatles": An Apple Scruff's Story by Carol Bedford
Buy used from: £41.40
Highly anecdotal memoir by one o´ the Scruffs. Verite rules the day. Another goodie for us saddos!
The Beatles Off the Record: Outrageous Opinions & Unreleased InterviewsThe Beatles Off the Record: Outrageous Opinions & Unreleased Interviews by Keith Badman
Buy new: £12.71 / Used from: £3.72
Essential companion to the Anthology. What they said then as opposed to what they can't remember now.
Paul McCartney: Many Years from NowPaul McCartney: Many Years from Now by Paul McCartney
Buy used from: £1.43
Why does Macca feel he has anything left to prove? Still, despite the sometimes self-justificatory tone, this IS straight(ish) from one of the horses´ mouths, and therefore interesting.
Come Together: John Lennon in His TimeCome Together: John Lennon in His Time by Jon Wiener
Buy new: £10.79 / Used from: £0.01
Much new information from an author with no axe to grind. Recommended.
JohnJohn by Cynthia Lennon
Buy new: £6.99 / Used from: £1.50
Slightly more candid than her earlier effort, but not without contradictions in comparison with other accounts. Will we ever get the real story?
Brian Epstein: The Man Who Made "The Beatles"Brian Epstein: The Man Who Made "The Beatles" by Ray Coleman
Buy used from: £7.55
Highly accomplished, and full of detail. John comes across as a thug, albeit an occasionally amusing/big hearted one. Compare with the portrait in his Lennon biography.
The Gospel According to the "Beatles"The Gospel According to the "Beatles" by Steve Turner
Buy new: £12.99 / Used from: £3.39
Don't let the title put you off - this is fascinating, with a lot of stuff you won't find elsewhere. Highly recommended.
Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the BeatlesHere, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles by Geoff Emerick
Buy used from: £17.55
Despite annoying ghost-written Americanisms and some disputed elements, this is essential reading - and gives one a sense of what an oppressive place a Beatles' session could be latterly.